It’s a new one for 2026 folks.
This is a wonderful recording of a great opera that perhaps even some opera naysayers will enjoy. A fine Christmas present to enjoy on this snowy day. I received the original CD version (not the reissue), so I have the libretto that the review says is missing
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Based on recommendations, I purchased these downloads within the last month but, because of the festive period, I am only now listening to them.
I’m thoroughly enjoying what I’m hearing.
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Piano but excellent recording
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After struggling with my Argerich box ….
Even at its age it’s wonderful
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The race for the best chamber music album of 2026 has started with this magnificent release yesterday:
I had the great pleasure to hear this combination 2 years ago live, still with Raphael Merlin at the Cello. He is still a part of this release writing the text in the booklet.
This is fantastic!
Very highly recommended !
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Thank you for the wonderful recommendations. I particularly enjoy Marc-André Hamelin’s Medtner recordings and almost anything by the phenomenal Quatuor Ébène.
Here are two recent thematic and nicely assembled recordings that I’ve been enjoying. My favorites in any of the pieces? No. But I enjoy the thoughtful and occasionally whimsical choices.
The first is by podcast star Tiffany Poon. Podcast stardom can be off-putting for some, but I found her visit to Ravel’s former home, Le Belvédère in Montfort-l’Amaury, now Musee Maurice Ravel, and playing on his Erard piano unaffected and charming. The recording is most pleasant and I used it as a point of departure for further musical exploration, particularly Alkan’s Le Festin d’Ésope and Rameau’s Le rappel des Oiseaux (please have a listen to a youthful Emil Gilel’s recording…, an absolute delight and available for streaming on Qobuz).
The second is a splendid Joann Falletta/Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra set of performances. Though I was initially skeptical of this recording, despite hight marks given in Gramophone and on Classics Today, repeated listening completely won me over. Give it a try and see what you think. I’ve started listening to more Ms. Falletta/Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra recordings.
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Agreed. The Faletta recording, which was in Gramophone this month, is spectacular. Glad to have them as a local orchestra around here in Western New York! 
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Snowing, hot beverage, fireplace and this.
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Since its release in November and live performance previously, I’ve been listening to this recording of salon-friendly piano for 4 hands in as many movements by Schubert, one of his last compositions. It is an excellent composition, performance and recording that led me into a deeper dive into this wonderful piece. Interestingly, piano for 4 hands was also one of Schubert’s first compositions, as well. In the favorably reviewed (Gramophone/BBC Music and International Piano) Leif Ove Andsnes starts the performance as the primo player (the treble side of the keyboard) and Bertrand Chamayou does excellent work in secondo. I invite you to perceive when the two pianists switch positions. I also wonder at how well they work together in such close quarters. Nice Presto Music Katherine Cooper interview with Mr. Andsnes from Jan 20, 2026
The final movement’s recapitulation of the first and the extraordinary fugato for the Fantasie is spell-binding to this listener and these two outstanding performers carry it off superbly.
After listening to 28 other recordings, I found a few others that stood out to me and to reviewers.
For many the Murray Perahia (secondo in the Fantasie) and Radu Lupu (primo) is a masterful recording by two great artists. I agree and also enjoy the Mozart Sonata for 2 Pianos. Splendid!
Steven Osborn and Paul Lewis recording took two listens for me to fully appreciate the beauty of their Fantasie performance. The second listen was accidental and I wondered, as I listened, who is this? This is exceptional. Not my first reaction.
Including one performed on a restored period Graf forte piano by Jos Van Immerseel and Claire Chevallier
and another on a contemporary Christopher Clarke painstakingly designed and built 1828 Graf reproduction. Mssrs. Staier (secondo) and Melnikov (primo) do this piece proud. The greater articulation and color, if not dynamics, particularly in the final movement’s fugue, are persuasive and my favorite of all the other excellent performances I listened to. Folks have suggested that no matter how lovingly restored, a period forte piano doesn’t sound as good as a superbly executed age-specific-based modern build. You decide.
BTW, has there been another meta-data switch with Harmonia Mundi recordings? All of them are now showing as Unavailable in Roon, although they are clearly available for streaming in Qobuz.
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